If reaching the state semifinals with your first varsity class is part of the maturity process, then Eric Wells has no problems with growing pains.

Needless to say, the challenge will be a bit different this season as the Dawson Eagles lost of ton of talent off last year’s remarkable squad.

But the Eagle head coach expects nothing less than a playoff squad and one capable of contending for the District 24-4A title.

“We’re back to being inexperienced again, but I think we can get after these kids early and get them to grow up fast,” Wells said. “We’ll take our lumps early with a tough non-district schedule against Clear Springs, Crosby, Nimitz and Conroe Oak Ridge.

Wiley Walls, a junior varsity player last year, moves into the left tackle slot while Josh Lewis, a sophomore, is penciled in at left guard. The center will likely be sophomore Joshua Aguirre.

“Wiley did a great job in the spring and he’ll be working with the first group in the fall,” Wells said. “Josh was a freshman last year. He’s a young kid that will probably make some mistakes, but he’s going to be a really good one.

“Joshua Aguirre is one of our strongest kids and had a really good spring. He’s worked hard in camp, and he’s got some big shoes to fill.”

The right side of the line features 6-3, 26-pound Max Brown at guard and 6-7, 300-pound Kennedy Estelle at tackle.

“Kennedy’s played a little bit of varsity, but his potential is unlimited,” Wells said of the junior behemoth. “Max is the leader of our entire team. There’s nobody that works any harder or sets a better example than Max.

“He’s very vocal and he’ll be a great help to those young guys. Max is like having another coach on the field. I’m not worried about our offensive line because I know what Max brings to the table and how he rubs off on people.”

Nieman Gilbert returns at tight end where he played 15 games last year.

Although the backfield will be new, it won’t be without talent.

“Payton Jones played a ton for us in the backfield last year,” Wells said. “He did as many good things as Xavier and Akeem. Darian Douglas and Brent Gilmore will help him out, too.”

Inheriting the quarterback spot is junior Garry Kimble.

“Garry will do fine,” Wells said. “We’re not saying he has to replace Darian. He has his own talents and he’ll get the job done.”

Dawson should have as talented a receiving corps as any 4A team in the state. That includes Division I prospect Marcus Vaughn, speedy Randall Weeks and equally nimble-footed Stuart Watkins.

“Marcus is an unbelievable talent, and Weeks and Watkins are almost identical to each other,” Wells said. “They’re great at catching the ball and making people miss. Devin Kilpatrick should help us a lot there, too.”

On defense, the Eagle line will feature James Henny at nose tackle while Robert Seals will man one end. The other will be occupied by Shelby Trahan or Andre Miles.

“He’s probably been the biggest surprise to me in our program,” Wells said. “He really showed what he could do in 7-on-7 as a receiver.”

Wells knows the Eagles could get off to a rocky start, but if Dawson learns a few life lessons during that time, the dividends could await the Eagles at the end of district.

“We feel we can be competitive with everybody we play,” Wells said. “The bottom line is we want to put ourselves in a situation to win every game. We know we’ve got a lot of growing up to do.

“There is no down time when district starts so you’ve got to play good people to get ready. Friendswood is always going to be good, Manvel is getting better and better and La Marque has been playing with young kids the last two years.

“Ball High made the playoffs in 5A last year…I mean it’s just one heavyweight fight after the next. It’s tough, but it should be that way. We’re just like every other team in Texas. Our goal is to win district. If that doesn’t happen, then we want to make the playoffs.”